Francis House Children’s Hospice, in Didsbury Manchester, has received a wonderful donation of £500 from the West Lancashire Provincial Bowling Society. The cheque was presented to senior fundraising team member Julie Williams and Chief Executive Rachel Taylor by Trafford Group Publicity Officer Ian Wood.
Founded by Sister Aloysius McCallion and Father Thomas Mulheran as part of Rainbow Family Trust, the charity-run hospice was opened in November 1991 by Diana, Princess of Wales and was only the fifth children’s hospice to be built in the UK and the world. The hospice offers care for children of all ages who are diagnosed as having life-threatening illnesses or life-limiting conditions. The Hospice is divided into two sections, with the original section, Francis House, looking after children up to 13 years of age and within the same grounds, the hospice has opened a new unit called Francis Lodge, which is for the care of those from the age of 16 years upwards, with similar illnesses.
The hospice provides much needed respite support to the families of these children and also to their siblings, as it is extremely physically and mentally exhausting to care for the type of children who receive support from Francis House. The hospice has also begun providing homecare support, end-of-life care and bereavement counselling and is currently providing care to upwards of 600 families across the Greater Manchester area.
Requiring approximately £5,000,000 a year to operate, the charity-run hospice only receives 14% of that from government sources with the rest being provided from donations alone. Thus, donations such as those from organisations such as the Masons are most welcome and as such, we have a standing invitation to attend the various fund-raising activities and open days which are organised by the hospice. These events are detailed in the Francis House Newsletter and may be found on the Francis House website by clicking here Also in the newsletter are personal stories and accounts from those who receive assistance from this magnificent establishment.
The last 34 years have seen a significant change in the attitude to paediatric palliative care both in Britain and throughout the world, and Francis House has been at the forefront of expansion and development of the children’s hospice service. So much has changed, not least the life expectancy of some of the young people. Medical interventions and improved methods of care have meant that many of the young people now live longer. In 1996 Francis House cared for one child over the age of 16, now more than 120 young adults regularly come through the doors.
On visiting Francis House, it is noticeable how dedicated and enthusiastic the staff are and what a beautiful and tranquil establishment they run and it is only right that we continue to support them in their work.